PLATE-HANDLING SYSTEM INSERTING PLATE FROM GAGE SIDE

A rail plate handling device is provided for removing and reinstalling plates located on rail ties on a railroad track. The device includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track; at least one tie plate gripping assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a selected tie plate at the front and rear edges between an adjacent one of the at least one raised rail raised from the operational position supported by the selected tie plate and the associated tie in the operational position upon which the plate was resting, pulling the selected plate away from the adjacent raised rail and away from the associated tie, retaining the selected plate in a suspended position above the track while the tie is extracted and a new tie inserted, and then replacing the suspended tie plate back upon the rail from a gage side of the rail.